Guesthouse for Ganesha

A Novel

By: Judith Teitelman

Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi, Soneela Nankani

In 1923, 17-year-old Esther Grünspan arrives in Köln "with a hardened heart as her sole luggage.” Thus begins a 22-year journey, woven against the backdrops of the European Holocaust and the Hindu Kali Yuga (the “Age of Darkness” when human civilization degenerates spiritually), in search of a place of sanctuary. Throughout her travails, using cunning and shrewdness, Esther relies on her masterful tailoring skills to help mask her Jewish heritage, navigate war-torn Europe, and emigrate to India.

Esther’s traveling companion and the novel’s narrator is Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God worshipped by millions for his abilities to destroy obstacles, bestow wishes, and avenge evils. Impressed by Esther’s fortitude and relentless determination, born of her deep - though unconscious - understanding of the meaning and purpose of love, Ganesha, with compassion, insight, and poetry, chooses to highlight her story because he recognizes it is all of our stories - for truth resides at the essence of its telling.

Weaving Eastern beliefs and perspectives with Western realities and pragmatism, Guesthouse for Ganesha is a tale of love, loss, and spirit reclaimed.

Cover photo by Michael Kellner at kellnerbookdesign.com.

©2019 Judith Teitelman (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

What a journey!

I loved being on Esther’s journey which was both in the real world and on a metaphoric, spiritual plane. The voices of the two main characters exemplified this and the readers were excellent. I did not know when I started it that the Holocaust played a role. I think it is important for all people to have a glimpse into how this impacted Esther and so many. Well written!

A beautiful and powerful story!

The author weaves an incredible tale, rich with descriptive imagery that really draws you in. The actors are so skilled at capturing all the complexity of the characters. I was fully immersed in this wonderful book and can’t recommend it more highly.

Amazing Story. Narrators were great

This first book by Judith Teitelman is so rich in its story, its sense of history and the spiritual life. The narrators brought the story and characters to life. I was immersed and touched through Esther’s journey.

Stellar!

I don’t usually seek out magical realism, however the storyline was so intriguing, I had to get it. And I’m so glad I did! Beautiful writing and wonderful narrators. Brava!

Thrilling performance and story

I listened to this book as I drove from LA to Monterey. I loved it so much I couldn’t stop listening and finished it over the next two nights. It beautifully captures the transformation of mourning and loss into enlightenment and spiritual love.